Hybrid Tomato Variety &#39;H1996&#39;

ABSTRACT

Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1996’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid processing tomato variety with excellent field yield which is suitable for machine harvest and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California, USA. It is a main season variety with resistance to fusarium wilt races 1, 2, and 3 plus tomato spotted wilt virus.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular,this disclosure relates to a new variety of tomato, Solanum lycopersicumvariety denominated ‘H1996’.

BACKGROUND

Breeding improved tomato varieties involves providing genetics that givean advantage to the grower, processor, consumer, or other members of thesupply chain. The improvement may be in the form of field performance,disease resistance, factory performance, or a fruit qualitycharacteristic. For a tomato variety to be suitable to be grown forprocessing, the variety must have a concentrated fruit setting andmaturity, firm fruit, and sufficient rot tolerance to allow early fruitto remain rot-free while later fruit continues to develop and ripen.

Most tomato varieties for commercial processing are hybrids resultingfrom a cross pollination of two true-breeding, inbred parents. Throughthe use of true-breeding lines, a hybrid is produced that often displayscharacteristics of each parent, and often demonstrates characteristicsthat are superior to either parent alone, or that allow a hybrid to maskinadequacies of the individual parents.

Processing tomato varieties combining resistance to verticillium wiltrace 1 (Verticillium dahlia), fusarium wilt races 1 and 2 (Fusariumoxysporum pv lycopersici), and root knot nematode (Meloidogyneincognita) are highly desirable in most climates around the world.Moreover, in regions such as California, the industry has seen aconsiderable increase in pressure from tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)and fusarium wilt race 3. Thus, varieties with resistance are in highdemand by both growers and processors to ensure a productive crop cycle.

Processing tomato quality parameters differ from those of fruit used inthe fresh market. The processing characteristics are typicallydetermined using a sample of hot-break tomato pulp or juice produced ina consistent manner to those familiar with the art. For example, a fixedmass of tomatoes may be cooked in a microwave oven for several minutesto halt any enzymatic breakdown of the sample, lost water is replaced,and the sample is pulped to remove skins and seed to produce a uniformjuice sample. The juice sample can be analyzed for various qualityparameters important to processing tomato including but not limited togross viscosity measures such as juice Bostwick, soluble solids measuresusing a refractometer (°Brix), measures of acidity and pH, and measuresof color (e.g., a Hunter a/b score). The value of these traits dependson the product that is being commercially produced by the processingfactory. In some instances, a factory will put a higher value on a thickviscosity variety, whereas in other instances, a thin viscosity willmake a superior product and is preferred.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is a new and distinct tomato variety named ‘H1996’ thatproduces exceptional yields of medium, uniform fruit and is best adaptedto arid climates, such as California, it may also perform reasonablywell in Brazil. The broad adaptability of ‘H1996’ is enhanced by arelatively short plant cycle, enabling production in growing regionswith shorter seasons. The variety ‘H1996’ has resistance to verticilliumwilt race 1, three known races of fusarium wilt, root knot nematode, andtomato spotted wilt virus. The fruit of ‘H1996’ are extremely firm andhave very good red color with an average fruit weight of 73 grams.‘H1996’ presents an advantage over industry standard varieties such as‘H5608’ in that it has demonstrated resistance to fusarium wilt race 3which has become a significant production limitation in the state.Tolerance to fruit rot in ‘H1996’ is very good, allowing for once-overmachine harvesting applications requiring extended field holding.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to tomato seeddesignated as ‘H1996’ having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126520. In oneaspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tomato plant, as well asany plant part or portion isolated therefrom, produced by growing‘H1996’ tomato seed. In another aspect, the present disclosure isdirected to a tomato plant or part isolated therefrom having all thephysiological, morphological, and/or genetic characteristics of a tomatoplant produced by growing ‘H1996’ tomato seed having ATCC AccessionNumber PTA-126520. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure isdirected to a tomato plant having all of the physiological andmorphological characteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’, andspecifically including those listed in Table 1 below, whereinrepresentative seed is deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-126520.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to tomatoseed having at least a first set of the chromosomes of tomato variety‘H1996’, wherein representative seed is deposited under ATCC AccessionNumber PTA-126520. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directedto an F₁ hybrid tomato seed, methods of making F₁ hybrid tomato seed,plants grown from the seed, leaf, ovule, pollen, rootstock, scion,fruit, cotyledon, meristem, anther, root, root tip, pistil, flower,stem, calli, stalk, hypocotyla, pericarp, or portion thereof isolatedtherefrom having ‘H1996’ as a parent, wherein ‘H1996’ is grown from‘H1996’ tomato seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126520. Thedisclosure is also directed to a method of producing a tomato plantderived from tomato variety ‘H1996’, including crossing a plant oftomato variety ‘H1996’ with another tomato plant. The method may furthercomprise harvesting seed from the F₁ hybrid tomato seed and/or crossingthe F₁ hybrid tomato plant with itself or another plant to produce seedfrom a progeny plant.

Tomato plant parts include leaf, ovule, pollen, rootstock, scion, fruit,cotyledon, meristem, anther, root, root tip, pistil, flower, stem,calli, stalk, hypocotyl, pericarp, the like, and any portion thereof. Inanother embodiment, the present disclosure is further directed to tomatofruit, stem, leaf, root, root tip, pollen, rootstock, scion, ovule,seed, and flower, and any portion thereof, isolated from ‘H1996’ tomatoplants. In one aspect, the plant part comprises at least one cell fromtomato variety ‘H1996’. In another aspect, the present disclosure isfurther directed to tissue culture of regenerable cells derived from‘H1996’ tomato plants. In one aspect, the tissue culture of regenerablecells has all the physiological and morphological characteristics oftomato variety ‘H1996’. The disclosure is further directed to a tomatoplant regenerated from tissue culture. In another aspect, the disclosureis directed to a protoplast produced from tissue culture and a plantregenerated from the protoplast. At least in some approaches, the plantregenerated from the tissue culture or protoplast has all of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of tomato variety‘H1996’, and specifically including those listed in Table 1.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method for producinga plant part, which at least in one aspect is tomato fruit, andharvesting the plant part. In another aspect, the plant part comprisesat least one cell from tomato variety ‘H1996’.

The disclosure also is directed to vegetatively propagating a plant oftomato variety ‘H1996’ by obtaining a part of the plant and regeneratinga plant from the plant part. At least in some approaches, theregenerated plant has all of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’, and specifically includingthose listed in Table 1.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is further directed to amethod of selecting tomato plants by a) growing ‘H1996’ tomato plantswherein the ‘H1996’ plants are grown from tomato seed having ATCCAccession Number PTA-126520; and b) selecting a plant from step a). Inanother aspect, the present disclosure is further directed to tomatoplants, plant parts, and seeds produced by the tomato plants, where thetomato plants are isolated by the selection method.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is further directed to amethod of breeding tomato plants by crossing a tomato plant with a plantgrown from ‘H1996’ tomato seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126520.In another aspect, the tomato plant of tomato variety ‘H1996’ isself-pollinated. In still another aspect, the present disclosure isfurther directed to tomato plants, tomato parts from the tomato plants,and seeds produced therefrom where the tomato plant is isolated by thebreeding method.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a plant of tomato variety‘H1996’ comprising a transgene and/or a single locus conversion, and anyseeds or plant parts isolated therefrom. The disclosure also relates tomethods for preparing a plant of tomato variety ‘H1996’ comprising atransgene and/or a single locus conversion. In one aspect, the plantcomprising a single locus conversion and/or transgene has all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of tomato variety‘H1996’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings will be provided by the office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 illustrates fruit of tomato variety ‘H1996’.

FIG. 2 illustrates fruit and general plant structure of tomato variety‘H1996’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is the new and distinct tomato variety named ‘H1996’that was developed to provide a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety(i.e., not grown on stakes) that is suitable for machine harvest, andare adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California,USA.

Processing tomato varieties combining resistance to verticillium wiltrace 1 (Verticillium dahlia), fusarium wilt race 1, 2, and 3 (Fusariumoxysporum pv. lycopersici), root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita),and tomato spotted wilt virus are highly desirable in many climatesaround the world. Varieties with tolerance to ripe fruit rots (extendedfield storage) are also desirable because they are conducive toonce-over machine harvesting, particularly in regions where rain canoccur during harvest or there are delays in a harvesting schedule.

Tomato plants of ‘H1996’ are resistant to verticillium wilt race 1,three known races of fusarium wilt, root knot nematode, and tomatospotted wilt virus. Large plants are dark green in color with anupright, rather open foliage which exposes the fruit. Fruit of ‘H1996’are very firm, and medium in size (73 grams). Both internal and externalcolor are strong. Fruit are also considered to have an extended fieldstorage, which delays the onset of fruit rots after reaching red ripematurity.

Stability of Variety ‘H1996’

The variety is uniform and stable within commercially acceptable limits.As is true with other tomato varieties, a small percentage of variantscan occur within commercially acceptable limits for almost anycharacteristic during the course of repeated multiplication. However, novariants were observed during the three years in which the variety wasobserved to be uniform and stable.

TABLE 1 Characterization of tomato variety ‘H1996’ compared to twoindustry standards, ‘H3402’ and ‘H5608’ Character H1996 H3402 H5608Seedling Anthocyanin in hypocotyl Present Present Present Habit of 3-4Wk seedling Normal Normal Normal Mature Plant Height (cm) 85 cm n/a n/ aGrowth Type Determinate Determinate Determinate Form Normal NormalNormal Size of Canopy Large Large Large Habit Sprawling SprawlingSprawling Stem Branching Profuse Profuse Profuse Branching at CotyledonAbsent Absent Absent # nodes below first 4-7 nodes 4-7 nodes 4-7 nodesinflorescence # nodes between early 1-2 nodes 1-2 nodes 1-2 nodesinflorescence (1^(st)-2^(nd), 2^(nd)- 3^(rd)) # nodes between later 1-2nodes 1-2 nodes 1-2 nodes inflorescence Pubescence on younger SparseModerate Sparse stems Leaf Type Tomato Tomato Tomato Morphology CompoundCompound Compound with major with major with major and and and minorminor minor leaflets leaflets leaflets (image 2) (image 2) (image 2)Margins of Major Leaflets Shallowly Shallowly Shallow Toothed ToothedToothed Marginal Rolling or Slight Moderate Moderate Wiltiness Onset ofLeaflet Rolling Midseason Midseason Midseason Surface of Major LeafletsRugose Rugose Rugose Pubescence Normal Normal Normal Inflorescence TypeForked Forked Forked # flowers in inflorescence 5 5 6 average Leafy or“running” Absent Absent Absent inflorescence Flower Calyx Normal NormalNormal Calyx-Lobes Shorter than Shorter than Shorter than corollacorolla corolla Corolla Color Yellow Yellow Yellow Style pubescenceSparse Sparse Sparse Anthers Fused/Tubed Fused/Tubed Fused/TubedFasciation Absent Absent Absent 1st flower of 2nd or 3rd Absent AbsentAbsent Inflorescence Fruit Typical shape Blocky oval Blocky oval Blockyoval in longitudinal section Shape of transverse section Round RoundRound Shape of stem end Indented Indented Indented Shape of blossom endFlattened Flat Flat Shape of pistil scar Dot Dot Dot Abscission layerAbsent Absent Absent point of detachment At calyx At calyx At calyxfruit at harvest Length of pedicel (joint to n/a n/a n/a calyxattachment) (cm) Length of mature fruit 6.4 5.7 5.7 (stem axis) (cm)Diameter of fruit at widest 4.9 4.3 4.2 point (cm) Weight of MatureFruit (g) 73 63 76 Number of Locules 2 & 3 2-4 2-4 Fruit Surface SmoothSmooth Smooth Fruit Base Color Light Medium Yellow (Mature Green Stage)Green Green green Fruit Pattern (mature green Uniform Uniform Uniformstage) Shoulder color if different n/a n/a n/a from base Fruit colorfull ripe Red Red Red Flesh color full ripe Red Red Red Flesh colorUniform Uniform Uniform Locular gel color of table- Red Red Yellow ripefruit Ripening Uniform Uniform Uniform Stem Scar Size Small Small smallCore Coreless Coreless Present Epidermis Color Yellow Yellow YellowEpidermis Normal Normal Normal Epidermis Texture Average Average ToughThickness or Pericarp (mm) 6.1 7 5.9 Resistance to Fruit Disorder Nottested Not tested Not tested Disease and Pest Reactions Viral DiseasesCucumber Mosaic n/t n/t n/t Curly Top n/t n/t n/t Potato-y Virus n/t n/tn/t Blotch Ripening n/t n/t n/t Tobacco Mosaic Race 0 n/t n/t n/tTobacco Mosaic Race 1 n/t n/t n/t Tobacco Mosaic Race 2 n/t n/t n/tCracking, Concentric n/t n/t n/t Tobacco Mosaic Race 2² n/t n/t n/tTomato Spotted Wilt Resistant Susceptible Resistant Tomato Yellows n/tn/t n/t Gold Fleck n/t n/t n/t Others n/t n/t n/t Bacterial DiseaseBacterial Canker Susceptible Min. resistant Susceptible (Clavibactermichiganense) Bacterial Soft Rot (Erwinia n/t n/t n/t carotovora)Bacteria Speck race 0 Susceptible Resistant Resistant (Pseudomonastomato) Bacterial Spot (Xanthomonas Susceptible Susceptible Susceptiblespp) Bacterial Wilt n/t Susceptible n/t (Ralstonia solanacearum) OtherBacterial Disease n/t n/t n/t Fungal Disease Anthracnose n/t Susceptiblen/t (Colletotrichum spp.) Brown Root Rot or Corky n/t Susceptible n/tRoot (Pyrenochaeta lycopersici) Collar Rot or Stem Canker SusceptibleSusceptible Susceptible (Alternaria solani) Early Blight DefoliationSusceptible Min. resistant Susceptible (Alternaria solani) Fusarium WiltRace 1 Resistant Resistant Resistant (F. oxysporum f. lycopersici)Fusarium Wilt Race 2 Resistant Resistant Resistant (F. oxysporum f.lycopersici) Fusarium Wilt Race 3 Resistant Susceptible Susceptible (F.oxysporum f. lycopersici) Grey Leaf Spot n/t n/t n/t (Stemphylium spp.)Late Blight, race 0 n/t Susceptible n/t (Phytophthora infestans) LateBlight, race 1 n/t n/t n/t Leaf Mold race 1 n/t n/t n/t (Cladosporiumfulvum) Leaf Mold race 2 n/t n/t n/t (Cladosporium fulvum) Leaf Moldrace 3 n/t n/t n/t (Cladosporium fulvum) Leaf Mold Other Races: n/t n/tn/t Nail head Spot (Alternaria n/t n/t n/t tomato) Septoria Leaf spot(S. n/t n/t n/t Lycopersici) Target Leaf spot n/t n/t n/t (Corynesporacassiicola) Verticillium Wilt Race 1 Resistant Resistant Resistant (V.dahliae race 1) Verticillium Wilt Race 2 n/t n/t n/t (V. dahliae race 2)Other Fungal Disease n/t n/t n/t Insects and Pests Colorado PotatoBeetle n/t n/t n/t (L. decemlineata) Root Knot Nematode (M. ResistantResistant Resistant sp.) Spider Mites (Tetranychus n/t n/t n/t spp.)Sugar Beet Army Worm (S. n/t n/t n/t exigua) Tobacco Flea Beetle (E. n/tn/t n/t hiritipennis) Tomato Hornworm n/t n/t n/t (M. quinquemaculata)Tomato Fruit worm (H. zea) n/t n/t n/t Whitefly (T. vaporariorum) n/tn/t n/t Other n/t n/t n/t

Chemistry and Composition of Full-Ripe Fruits

TABLE 2 Hot-break tomato juice characteristics for new variety ‘H1996’and two check varieties 'H3402' and 'H5608' ‘H1996’ ‘H3402’ ‘H5608’Serum viscosity (centistokes) 12.5 7.7 10.4 Juice Bostwick (cm) 10.512.6 10.5 Soluble solids (° Brix) 5.4 5.3 5.2 Fruit Weight (g) 73 65 77Average of 2 years of trials in California in a total of 21 locations.

TABLE 3 Phenology ‘H1996’ ‘H3402’ ‘H5608’ Fruiting Season Short ShortShort Relative Maturity Medium- Medium Medium Late

TABLE 4 Adaptation ‘H1996’ ‘H3402’ ‘H5608’ Culture Field Field FieldPrinciple use Concentrate Whole-pack, Whole-pack, ConcentrateConcentrate Machine harvest Yes Yes Yes Regions of adaptabilityCalifornia Sacramento/ Yes-1 Yes-2 Yes-2 upper SJ valley Californialower SJ valley Yes-2 Yes-3 Yes-1 Northeastern USA No Yes-1 NoIf more than one category applies, they are listed in rank order.

Comparison of ‘H1996’ to Closest Varieties

Data in Table 1 is based primarily upon trials conducted inCollegeville, Calif. from two replications, non-staked, in a researchplot environment. Data in Tables 3 and 4 are based upon observationsmade in trials throughout California and Ontario, Canada. Comparisonsamong varieties for processing traits (Table 2) were done over two yearsof side-by side testing throughout California. Disease resistance andadaptability assessments are based upon DNA markers associated with thedisease resistance when available or numerous observations collected inregions/climates with specific disease pressure, specifically for ripefruit rots, bacterial spot, bacterial canker, early blight, and lateblight, including Ontario, Canada.

Several characteristics can distinguish ‘H1996’ from the similarcommercial variety ‘H5608’. While both varieties have a similar cropmaturity, ‘H1996’ is a few days later. ‘H1996’ has a blockier, morerough fruit shape than ‘H5608’ making it less suited for whole peelprocessing. The plant of ‘H1996’ has a more open foliage cover. From aprocessing standpoint, ‘H1996’ has a higher serum viscosity than‘H5608’, which is an advantage to processors looking to produce tomatopaste/concentrate for high viscosity products. Agronomically, the majoradvantage of ‘H1996’ is that it carries resistance to Fusarium oxysporumrace 3, which is lacking in ‘H5608’. Another advantage of ‘H1996’ isthat its fruit have the ability stay on the vine for an extended periodof time and delay the onset of fruit rots (extended field storage),which ‘H5608’ lacks.

Further Embodiments

Additional methods provided herein include, without limitation, chasingselfs. Chasing selfs involves identifying inbred plants among tomatoplants that have been grown from hybrid tomato seed. Once the seed isplanted, the inbred plants may be identified and selected due to theirdecreased vigor relative to the hybrid plants that grow from the hybridseed. By locating the inbred plants, isolating them from the rest of theplants, and self-pollinating them (i.e., “chasing selfs”), a breeder canobtain an inbred line that is identical to an inbred parent used toproduce the hybrid. Accordingly, another aspect of the disclosurerelates a method for producing an inbred tomato variety by: plantingseed of the tomato variety ‘H1996’; growing plants from the seed;identifying one or more inbred tomato plants; controlling pollination ina manner which preserves homozygosity of the one or more inbred plants;and harvesting resultant seed from the one or more inbred plants. Thestep of identifying the one or more inbred tomato plants may furtherinclude identifying plants with decreased vigor, i.e., plants thatappear less robust than plants of the tomato variety ‘H1996’. Tomatoplants capable of expressing substantially all of the physiological andmorphological characteristics of the parental inbred lines of tomatovariety ‘H1996’ include tomato plants obtained by chasing selfs fromseed of tomato variety ‘H1996’.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that once a breeder hasobtained inbred tomato plants by chasing selfs from seed of tomatovariety ‘H1996’, the breeder can then produce new inbred plants such asby sib-pollinating, or by crossing one of the identified inbred tomatoplant with a plant of the tomato variety ‘H1996’.

The disclosure further includes introducing one or more desired traitsinto the tomato variety ‘H1996’. For example, the desired trait mayinclude male sterility, male fertility, herbicide resistance, insectresistance, disease resistance, and drought resistance.

The desired trait may be found on a single gene or combination of genes.The desired trait may be a genetic locus that is a dominant or recessiveallele. The genetic locus may be a naturally occurring tomato geneintroduced into the genome of a parent of the variety by backcrossing, anatural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetictransformation techniques. For a genetic locus introduced throughtransformation, the genetic locus may comprise one or more transgenesintegrated at a single chromosomal location. Accordingly, the disclosureprovides tomato plants or parts thereof that have been transformed withone or more transgenes (i.e., a genetic locus comprising a sequenceintroduced into the genome of a tomato plant by transformation) toprovide a desired trait. In one aspect, the one or more transgenes areoperably linked to at least one regulatory element. In one aspect, thetomato plant or plant part comprising a transgene has all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of tomato variety‘H1996’.

The gene(s) may be introduced to tomato variety ‘H1996’ through avariety of well-known techniques, including for example, molecularbiological, other genetic engineering, or plant breeding techniques,such as recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, molecularmarker (Isozyme Electrophoresis, Restriction Fragment LengthPolymorphisms (RFLPs), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs),Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA AmplificationFingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs),Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs), and Simple SequenceRepeats (SSRs) (also referred to as Microsatellites)), enhancedselection, genetic marker enhanced selection, and transformation.Accordingly, tomato seed, plants, and parts thereof produced by suchgenetic engineering or plant breed techniques are also part of thepresent disclosure.

Also provided herein are single locus converted plants and seedsdeveloped by backcrossing wherein essentially all of the morphologicaland physiological characteristics of an inbred are recovered in additionto the characteristics conferred by the single locus transferred intothe inbred via the backcrossing technique. A single locus may compriseone gene, or in the case of transgenic plants, one or more transgenesintegrated into the host genome at a single site (locus). One or morelocus conversion traits may be introduced into a single tomato variety.In one aspect, the tomato plant or tomato plant part comprising a singlelocus conversion has all the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’.

Deposit Information

A deposit of the tomato variety ‘H1996’ is maintained by HeinzSeedCompany, having an address at 6755 CE Dixon St, Stockton, Calif. 95206,United States of America. Access to this deposit will be availableduring the pendency of this application to persons determined by theCommissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122.

At least 625 seeds of tomato variety ‘H1996’ were deposited on Dec. 2,2019 according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type CultureCollection (ATCC), P.O. Box 1549, MANASSAS, Va. 20108 USA. The deposithas been assigned ATCC number PTA-126520. Access to this deposit will beavailable during the pendency of this application to persons determinedby the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled theretounder 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claimsin this application, all restrictions on the availability to the publicof the variety will be irrevocably removed for the enforceable life ofthe patent.

The deposits will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is apublic depository, for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the mostrecent request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever islonger, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during thatperiod.

What is claimed is:
 1. Tomato seed designated as ‘H1996’, representativesample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession NumberPTA-126520.
 2. A plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 3. Aplant part from the plant of claim 2, wherein the plant part comprisesat least one cell from tomato variety ‘H1996’.
 4. The plant part ofclaim 3, wherein the part is selected from the group consisting of leaf,ovule, pollen, rootstock, scion, fruit, cotyledon, meristem, anther,root, root tip, pistil, flower, stem, calli, stalk, hypocotyl, pericarp,and portion thereof.
 5. A tomato plant having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of the tomato plant of claim
 2. 6. A plantpart from the plant of claim 5, wherein the plant part comprises atleast one cell from tomato variety ‘H1996’.
 7. The plant part of claim6, wherein the part is selected from the group consisting of leaf,ovule, pollen, rootstock, scion, fruit, cotyledon, meristem, anther,root, root tip, pistil, flower, stem, calli, stalk, hypocotyl, pericarp,and portion thereof.
 8. A tomato plant having all of the physiologicaland morphological characteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’, wherein arepresentative sample of seed has been deposited under ATCC AccessionNumber PTA-126520.
 9. A plant part from the plant of claim 8, whereinthe plant part comprises at least one cell from tomato variety ‘H1996’.10. The plant part of claim 9, wherein the part is selected from thegroup consisting of leaf, ovule, pollen, rootstock, scion, fruit,cotyledon, meristem, anther, root, root tip, pistil, flower, stem,calli, stalk, hypocotyl, pericarp, and portion thereof.
 11. Pollen ofthe plant of claim
 2. 12. An ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 13. A tissueculture of regenerable cells from a plant part of claim 3, wherein saidtissue culture of regenerable cells has all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’.
 14. A tomatoplant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 13, the plant havingall of the physiological and morphological characteristics of tomatovariety ‘H1996’, wherein a representative sample of seed has beendeposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-126520.
 15. A protoplastproduced from the tissue culture of claim 13, wherein a plantregenerated from the protoplast has all of the physiological andmorphological characteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’.
 16. A method ofproducing a tomato plant derived from tomato variety ‘H1996’, the methodcomprising crossing the plant of claim 2 with another tomato plant toproduce a F₁ hybrid tomato plant.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising harvesting seed from the F₁ hybrid tomato plant.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising crossing the F₁ hybrid tomatoplant with itself or another plant to produce seed from a progeny plant.19. The plant of claim 2, said plant having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of tomato variety ‘H1996’, and furthercomprising a transgene.
 20. The plant of claim 2, said plant having allthe physiological and morphological characteristics of tomato variety‘H1996’, and further comprising a single locus conversion.
 21. A methodfor producing a tomato fruit, the method comprising: growing the tomatoplant of claim 2 to produce a tomato fruit; and harvesting the tomatofruit.
 22. A method for producing a tomato seed comprising:self-pollinating the tomato plant of claim 2; and harvesting theresultant tomato seed.
 23. A method of vegetatively propagating theplant of claim 2, the method comprising: obtaining a part of the plant;and regenerating a plant from the part, the regenerated plant having allof the physiological and morphological characteristics of tomato variety‘H1996’ listed in Table 1.